In this day and age, high-quality video streaming services have become accessible to the masses. Therefore, you no longer need to subscribe to cable or satellite TV. As long as you have an internet connection and a compatible device (such as a TV, computer or smartphone), you can watch TV without subscribing to a cable/satellite service. You can watch TV through paid services like Netflix, free sites or apps like Crackle, or streaming tools for TV. Learn how to choose a cable TV service that suits your interests and how to access it conveniently.
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Method 1 of 3: Free Site
Step 1. Make sure your internet connection has a speed of 3 Mbps and above
When using streaming services from free sites, the connection speed will affect the image quality. Contact your internet service provider, or log into your account on the service provider's website to see if your connection is fast enough to watch standard quality TV.
To watch HD quality shows, use a connection with a minimum speed of 5 Mbps
Step 2. Look at the current shows or past shows offered by the TV network
Visit the sites of various TV networks and look for live broadcast options or a list of past episodes. TV networks like NET, ABC, Fox, and the Discovery Channel offer a lot of free content on their respective sites.
- Many TV networks provide applications for smartphones or tablets. Try looking for the app in the App Store or Play Store.
- TV.com is a secure site that has a collection of links to TV shows on the sites of each network. You can sort shows by category to find new shows, or search for your favorite shows.
Step 3. Search and watch shows on Crackle
Crackle is a streaming on demand site that can be accessed via a website and a mobile app. In fact, you can also access the Crackle streaming service via television. You'll see ads while watching on Crackle, but at least the site is free and safe to use, it also offers a mobile app.
Step 4. Find a TV network channel on YouTube
Many TV networks and production companies offer free movies and shows on YouTube.
- Browse Youtube Channels to find full views. Click a category at the top of the page to see the impressions on offer.
- Try searching for the name of the show to find other YouTube users' uploads.
Step 5. Avoid searching with keywords "watch tv free", "watch tv online free", and the like
Many sites pretend to offer links to TV shows, but are actually full of malware and scams. Instead of trying to use these sites, visit the official website of the TV network.
If you come across a free TV service site that promises grandiose things, the site may be deceiving you. Look up the name of the site on ScamAdvisor.com to see the level of trust, and only use sites with a "high trust" rating
Method 2 of 3: Subscription Streaming Service
Step 1. Make sure your internet connection has a speed of 3 Mbps and above
Subscription streaming services allow you to access available content for a monthly or annual fee. Before paying a subscription fee, make sure your internet connection is fast enough to provide good quality images. To find out the speed of your connection, contact your internet service provider.
To watch HD quality TV, use a connection with a minimum speed of 5 Mbps
Step 2. Subscribe to an on-demand streaming service like Netflix or Hulu to access various shows and movies
Once you've subscribed, you can search for TV shows and movies, and watch them anytime.
- The content on Hulu focuses on the currently airing episodes of TV shows, but it also has a lot of movies. Meanwhile, content on Netflix consists of movies and full seasons of TV shows.
- If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can access Amazon's library of TV shows and movies, including some content from cable networks like HBO, Showtime, and Starz.
- You can watch shows from these services on a TV with an HDMI or Wi-Fi port. Use a streaming box or streaming stick, smartphone or tablet to access shows.
Step 3. Watch shows provided by internet service providers
If you subscribe to high-speed internet from Indihome, First Media, or MNC Play, you may be able to access local TV shows from your computer. Visit the internet service provider's site, or call to find out what shows are offered.
Step 4. Subscribe to premium services from certain TV networks
If you watch more movies and TV shows from pay networks like HBO or Showtime, subscribe to the services of those networks.
- While you can access exclusive shows not available on other services, these premium services are generally more expensive than Netflix or Hulu.
- Most premium networks also have a phone or tablet app.
Step 5. Consider a cable TV replacement service
Services like Sling TV or PlayStation Vue broadcast cable TV shows over the internet.
- This option is most similar to regular cable TV in that you can directly watch what is currently being broadcast.
- Most cable TV replacement services also allow you to record shows when you're busy and can't watch live shows.
- Most streaming boxes or streaming sticks (such as Roku or Amazon Fire TV) support a cable TV replacement service.
Method 3 of 3: Streaming Box and Streaming Stick
Step 1. Set up a TV with an HDMI or Wi-Fi port
You don't need a smart TV or a TV connected to the internet to watch streaming shows. As long as your TV has HDMI or Wi-Fi ports, you can use any streaming box or streaming stick to watch a variety of paid services.
- The HDMI port is in the shape of a box that tapers to the bottom. This port size is similar to a USB port. If your TV was made about 6 years ago, it generally has an HDMI port.
- To find out if your TV supports Wi-Fi, read the manual.
Step 2. Make sure your internet connection has a speed of 3 Mbps and above to get a clear display and minimal buffering
To find out the speed of your connection, contact your internet service provider.
To watch HD quality TV, use a connection with a minimum speed of 5 Mbps
Step 3. Select a suitable streaming stick or streaming box
After making sure that the TV and internet connection you have are adequate, consider the shows you want to watch, the need for remote control, and the need for other additional features. After that, look for streaming stick or streaming box reviews on trusted sites, such as Consumer Reports, CNET, and Engadget.
- If you need an affordable streaming tool, look for a Roku Streaming Stick, Amazon Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast.
- If you generally use Apple devices, try using an Apple TV. This streaming tool works with Siri and iTunes.
Step 4. Consider subscribing to a premium service
Some viewing options on a streaming box or streaming stick require you to have an active subscription or pay per episode/movie. Know which services your streaming box or streaming stick supports before buying.
- Netflix and Amazon Prime are available on all streaming boxes and streaming sticks. You may want to subscribe to the service.
- In addition to paid services, your streaming box or streaming stick also has free features. For example, you can play YouTube videos across streaming boxes and streaming sticks.
Step 5. Connect the device to the TV, and start watching
Follow the instructions in the package of purchasing a streaming box or streaming stick because each device has different setup steps.
Tips
- Before subscribing to a particular service, make sure you understand its terms and conditions.
- Most paid sites offer a trial service. Try the service before subscribing to see if it meets your needs.
- Before buying a streaming box or streaming stick from a store, be aware of the return rules of the store you purchased from.
- Check with the service and device your friend is using for available device/service options.
- To test your current internet speed, try doing a speed test. This speed test can also be used to find out if the internet service you receive is worth the cost you pay.
